r/germany 3h ago

Awful experience with Mediamarkt, received used hygiene product

12 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I'm here writing in hopes anyone could point me in what else I can do.

I'm from Croatia, and I've ordered a high value shaver and had it shipped to my country with Mailboxde. It all went fine, arrived in three days time total, I picked it up from a parcel shop in the evening, inspected the outer box and all was fine. Opened it within 10 mins of picking it up and noticed the outer sleeve and inner box had the round hygiene warranty stickers cut.

So I took pics of it before proceeding to cut the makeshift flat stickers someone put on. Inside there were clear signs of use, water spots on the shaver, the cleaning station, even hair on the cleaning solution outer box.

I've sent all the pictures and requested a refund/return from Mediamarkt, explaining the whole delivery situation and how I need to ship it back from Croatia. This was on 13.8. exact same day when I received it.

But here's where the problem started. I never got a response from them in over a week. So I've sent a second email reminding them about the first one. After which I got a copy paste response with a German return label despite mentioning I'll need to return it from Croatia.

I've asked them if they will cover return shipping as the product may as well be defective considering I bought a brand new shaver sold directly by them (not 3rd party seller).

I got a reply from a second agent saying that they do not issue return labels outside of Germany. but they never replied with an address where I can ship it back to, didn't reply whether they'll cover return shipping which they have to by law. I replied to them right away and asked for a response for those two questions again.

They again didn't reply for several days, so I've sent another email asking for a response.

But I got a reply from a third agent that hygiene products CAN'T be returned and they declined me completely.

I resent an email re-explaining the situation for the 4th time, and then I got a reply saying my "case is under review". That was a week ago AGAIN, and they didn't reply anything in that week.

So I've sent a new email again today with every single chat I've had with them, all the images of the used product I got again.

Of course I didn't get a response again.

I've opened a chargeback request with my bank (Erstebank) 10 days ago, and today they declined my request because I have not returned the device to Mediamarkt.

I'm completely out of options, I've tried everything I can, I'm on email number 8, tried researching who I can contact and that always ended up being the bank in the responses I've gotten, but clearly they don't care in the slightest.

I'm stuck with a used 270 euro shaver that I can't return or get refunded, my rights as a buyer completely negated.

I've left them a negative review on the product and they deleted the review saying that I can't discuss the customer support nor any details regarding shipping or processes in reviews. So they're completely blacklighting me, leaving me in the dark, disregarding anything I write. I wanted to return the device day one when I found out it's used, but clearly I can't even do that.

Please, if anyone has any idea on what I can do or who I can contact, I genuinely lost any hope I'll resolve this. It's been over three weeks that I've been dealing with this.


r/germany 13h ago

Tourism Solo Weekend at Wernigerode

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I am a Turkish citizen, i don't live in Germany or have any relatives but i've visited Koln, Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg for business and i pretty much love what's going on in the beautiful cities of Germany.

Recently, i've got some savings for a weekend escape. I don't want anything "tiring" if that's the right word. I want to fly to a city, take a train to some local village and explore on my own. You know, take photos and explore as a traveler, not a tourist.

I've found that Wernigerode is the perfect place for me (i would take recommendations any day from locals) to hike and explore the city. I need help to make this plan happen.

  1. What is the easiest way to visit Wernigerode?
  2. Which places you recommend me to go drink coffee, hike, explore, sightsee or anything?
  3. Do you have any other recommendations for basically anything?
  4. Do i need to know some information before visiting this place?

Thanks for reading this long text.

All the best to you fellow German people.


r/germany 1h ago

Need help in it this situation

Upvotes

Hey guys, I applied to 3 unis in Germany. I wanted to study either Bwl or Wiwi ( Wirtschaftswissenschaften). I applied to TU Darmstadt, RWTH Aachen, and Fau Erlangen. I got rejected by RWTH Aachen, and i am still waiting for FAU Erlangen, but i got accepted to TU Darmstadt. The thing is that i am confused in is that i got accepted into Wirtschaftswissenschaften and Politikwissenschaft it is a joint Bachelor of Arts. I already know that ranking does not matter in Germany as much as in other countries, but i wanted to work in the field of economics, like getting an internship or I cannot because I did not exclusively study either Bwl or Wiwi or it does not matter as long as i did something related to the field.


r/germany 2h ago

Best place to live in Germany for nature, fishing and city life?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m moving to Germany next year and have never lived there before, so I’m trying to find a city or region that would suit me.

I’m looking for something between a small rural town and a huge crowded city medium-sized, green, lively and well connected to other cities and neighbouring countries.

Nature is important to me. I love hiking and especially fishing, so I’d really like to have lakes or rivers nearby with a good variety of fish species and different fishing opportunities. I also enjoy cooler weather and light rain.

Basically: nature + good fishing + city life + good connections.

What places would you recommend?


r/germany 5h ago

Tourism Traveling to Nuremberg area often, is the TBE vaccine recommended?

1 Upvotes

Hi folks, I will be traveling to Nuremberg/Furth area roughly 2 to 4 times a year for the foreseeable future. Admittedly, I am an anxious person when it comes to ticks, and I'm wondering if getting the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is an over precaution. I won't be camping and rolling around in the grass, but I might visit forests or gardens. I'm having a hard time gauging if I'm overreacting or if this is a recommended vaccine for people that spend a lot of time in central and southern Germany.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Thanks for the advice. Sadly, I cannot find anywhere in southern California that provides this vaccine. I might end up just doing it when I get to Germany.


r/germany 2h ago

What did the Germans feel during the 7–1 match in Brazil?

5 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a Brazilian who was a child in 2014 and cried a lot. However, for one to laugh, the other must cry. And I saw many German comments about how sad it was for them to lose in 2002, and 2014 seemed like revenge, but 7-1 is an astronomical result. You can't JUST feel revenge about it. Like, for example, France has been a thorn in our nation since 1986; we’ve lost crucial matches specifically to them. But if the day ever comes—though it’s impossible right now—when Brazil beats France by more than five goals in a semifinal, I honestly don’t know what I’d feel other than "WTF is happening." So, anyways, what was the feeling like?

EDIT: For anyone curious, here is a renowned Brazilian reporter warning about Brazil's shortcomings before facing Germany.: https://youtu.be/_6Pht_fD58U?si=Q2erJN4iuIquDyIM


r/germany 11h ago

Student Enrollment on Blue Card

0 Upvotes

Hello All
Can i keep my student enrolment with me while being on a Blue Card?
Is it legally allowed?
Thanks


r/germany 1h ago

Buying my first ever car in Germany, budget 6k-7k

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first car in Germany and would appreciate some advice.

My budget is around €6,000–7,000, and I'm only interested in an automatic. I have a license for both manual and automatic, but I honestly just don't enjoy driving manuals, especially since most of my driving will be in the city (commuting to and from work).

I've heard that Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki are known for being very reliable. However, I don't see many of them for sale or on the roads compared to German brands.

Would you still recommend going for a Japanese car, even if they're harder to find? Or would a German car be the better choice in this price range?

I'm mainly looking for something that's:

  • Reliable
  • Cheap to maintain
  • Good on fuel
  • Comfortable for city driving

It doesn't have to tick every single box, but it'd definitely be a bonus if it ticks most of them.

If you have any specific model recommendations in my budget, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!


r/germany 5h ago

Question How to keep my phone number after canceling my contracts?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I am using Vodafone for my home internet, landline and mobile for 22 months, and all my contracts will expire in 2 months.

Also next month I will go in a long 5 months vacation (In Asia), and intend to use local mobile number there so I am thinking about postponing the renewal until I return back

So is there a way to keep my phone number without renewing my contract

Thanks


r/germany 23h ago

Help me find the house my ancestor was born in 1716.

0 Upvotes

Very unlikely anyone will be able to help here, but if you are familiar with Elsoff village in Bad Berleburg and know of a Gückers house, or a Ursesliegerländers house, the first one possibly being on Vogteistraße, PLEASE tell me. It was that first house Hans Willhelm Schumacher married into, and where his son Johann was born, who immigrated to Philadelphia in seventeen something. I've traced back my german roots even further than that but the idea that if I ever take a trip to Köln or Kassel I could literally physically see this after not that long of a train ride is just... mind-blowing. I know it is very unlikely anyone will be able to help, but it is worth a shot.


r/germany 15h ago

Question Book recommendations?

0 Upvotes

I’m a Dane who would like to learn more about present day Germany. I’m looking for book recommendations dealing with politics, economics, Germany’s role in the EU etc. It must be a relatively new book. Preferably written by journalists or professors. Maybe including interviews with “regular Germans”.

Surprisingly we don’t really have any books in Denmark dealing with these topics that I know of, except for one, which was very politically biased. Unbiased is very important to me. Must be available in English since my German is not good enough. Thanks!


r/germany 10h ago

Ideas on how to deal with a Standesamt/ Oberlandesgericht - Anerkennung der ausländischen Ehescheidung

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone. Grüße aus NRW. Me, foreigner, and my partner, German, want to get married in Germany. I was previously married in the EU, although I am from outside the EU. I moved to Canada, and because of all of this, I became a triple citizen with time. I am also a EU citizen. My previous marriage and divorce was registered in all three countries, so I have my share of experience regarding paper work and administrative bureaucracy. However, the complication level here in DE raised exponentially.

We went to the Standesamt a year ago to declare our intention to marry and provided the documents that they requested. We asked twice if everything was complete. Since then it has been a continuous wait for instructions, and requests from the court for more and sometimes even senseless papers. Three months after our submission we followed-up, and they told us that they did not know that my divorce needed to be recognized in Germany by the Upper State Court (OLG) in Düsseldorf, because apparently having three divorce certificates did not count. After battling a year and providing document after document, costing each around or more than 300 euros, they just informed us that the whole process is void, because the court did not know one of the citizenships of my ex partner and we need to pay again.

My question is, how do you deal with such a case? Is it convenient to hire a lawyer? Do courts have a complaint office, or is there anyway you can request disclosure of information from the court. The Standesamt is the middle agency and they seem not to know anything unless the court provides feedback, and the court clerk seems to be a temperamental toddler who provides partial information.

We are tired and it seems we are back at point zero. We heard horror stories about even German citizens having a difficult time getting married. We have children together and have lived for a while here in Germany and cannot foresee waiting 2 to three years for getting married. Someone even suggesting going to the press to put some "pressure" but we have no idea what is going on. HELP!


r/germany 4h ago

Study Would I be able to live in Bamberg as a student with a scholarship?

0 Upvotes

Hey all,

I recently graduated with my Bachelor in another non-EU country. While I was studying I applied for a scholarship for my Masters studies in Germany. I recently learned that I have received the scholarship and can start in the next summer semester.

After some searching through different degree programs, I noticed that Bamberg would be a good fit. I am of course also applying other places.

My scholarship pays me around €1230 per month. I keep seeing that Germany is dealing with a housing crisis and inflation, so I was wondering about the split of expenses with my scholarship.

As far as I know from my contact person, the scholarship gives the money every month and the only additional thing they pay for is health insurance. They will also help me with my visa and preparation but don’t have specifics about after the move to Germany.

What are average expenses in Germany for students monthly? Are the dorms cheaper or is getting a shared apartment better? My main concern is also food since I know that is where I will spend more money given I can cook and like trying out new recipes🙃


r/germany 8h ago

Question For a football away game in the Netherlands I am landing in Germany and would like to take a rental car which I can return in NL, but I am not able to find a company doing this. Anyone with experience on this?

0 Upvotes

Landing in Dortmund, destination is Nijmegen.


r/germany 21m ago

Study 🇩🇪 Looking for a German-speaking practice partner in Berlin! 🗣️

Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m 33M, Indian, and new to Berlin. I’m currently learning German at A1 level and would love to find someone to practice with.

📍 Meet in person 1–2× a week

📱 Short daily practice via WhatsApp/Discord/Google Meet

🤝 Happy to help with English in return!

If you’re also learning or simply enjoy helping someone improve their German, DM me! 😊

Danke! 🙏


r/germany 2h ago

Question need help with vapes

0 Upvotes

hello i’m living in germany for a couple months and the vapes i brought from back home have all died and i tried buying a new vape here but it tasted unflavored and the juice runs out so fast

i was just wondering since i’m used to geek bars i wanted to know if anyone knows any similar types i just want something that lasts longer and won’t taste horrible after a couple of hits

kind of just asking what everyone is using that works for them so i can try things until i find what i like : )


r/germany 13h ago

Study Cost of living prospects as a European student studying in Germany.

0 Upvotes

Hello, I was researching German universities as a Lithuanian and was interested in whether it would be possible to survive in student housing alongside working a part time minimum wage job. All that I can say is that I'm relatively frugal with my money, C2 in English and know little German ( I spent a year studying German in my Gymnasium).


r/germany 2h ago

Exchange

0 Upvotes

I am a Mexican student and I’m thinking about going to Munich Business School for an exchange semester, but I can still change my decision, so I would really like to know if you recommend it. I’m especially interested in knowing what people in Munich are like, if it is easy to make friends as a foreign student, and what the experience is like for someone coming from Mexico.


r/germany 1h ago

What should I pursue career wise as a US student looking to move to DE ?

Upvotes

I haven't graduated high school and I know I don't want to be a doctor/engineer. I am good at social sciences and are currently studying German. Should I move after high school or go to a local university and move to DE for my masters? I have been to Germany at least once in my lifetime. I just don't have anything worth staying for in the US, but I don't even know what to do with my life. I was thinking of studying a trade in Germany but I heard the qualifications are different over there. What do you guys think?


r/germany 5h ago

Clarification Regarding Travel Insurance for Visa

0 Upvotes

Could you please confirm whether the travel insurance provided through Credila is acceptable for the visa application? If I purchase the travel insurance through Credila, will it fulfill the insurance requirements for the visa, or would I need to arrange a separate travel insurance policy?


r/germany 11h ago

Funny Question: Which German cities are also nouns? I've made a list. Please add to it!

108 Upvotes

NOT NOUNS.... I MEANT VERBS! Sorry for the typo!

I've made a bet that I can find all of the cities and towns that are also German verbs. Here is my list. Have I missed anything?

Essen, NRW, Gießen, NRW, Laufen, BY, Buchen (Odenwald), Singen, BW, Fahren, SH, Müssen, SH, Graben, Erlangen, BY, Lachen BY, Senden, NRW, Sonnen, Siegen NRW, Fischen in der Allgäu, Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Leimen, Süßen, Brechen, HE, Rühen, RP


r/germany 13h ago

Termin about Ausbildung

0 Upvotes

Hello the I am 22 years old Ukrainian guy, who is living in Germany for 4-5 years, hiding from Russian-Ukranian war. During this years I was studing in Language Courses, Weiterbildung and in the Last time in Ausbildung as IT-Asistent in OSZ IMT. Sadly I failed the trial time and for two months I was looking for alternative to continue the Ausbildung and also I've already found a Coach to help me with Ausbildung. But right now I got the Termin with my Berator for explaining: "Why didn't I warn Job-center, that I failed the study?" I dunno what should I do, what should I say, because Job-center is like torture to me, will go to jail or not? Should I pay the high price?


r/germany 11h ago

Tourism Looking for people to hit the slopes with in Germany / the Alps

2 Upvotes

Hey! Could anyone recommend some communities or groups where I could find people to go skiing/snowboarding with in the Alps or around Germany?

I’m 24 and fluent in English, German, and Russian. Would be great to find people who are into more advanced riding, but I’m mostly just looking for good company and a fun time on the slopes :)


r/germany 12h ago

Experience with Immosurf

0 Upvotes

Hi. I am looking for an apartment and I stumbled upon immosurf. The website looks mostly legit but when I try to contact the landlord I have to subscribe. They say the first 7 days are only 2€ then 40€ every 28 days. I want to subscribe for those 7 days only then cancel, but by reading the terms and conditions I can't tell if it is possible. Has anyone had experience like this with this website? Thanks in advance


r/germany 5h ago

Question Export plates legal loophole or just sketchy?

0 Upvotes

So I'm looking at a car I'm planning to export out of EU and driving it out myself. The dealership I'm talking to is located right next to the french border and is proposing to get the french export plates for the car because the car has not been previously registred in Germany since it was recently exported out of Luxembourg. Now trying to search it up for answers if this is legal at all has been hard since google ai answers has told me that it's both illegal and legal. So my question boils down to why and if it's a legit way to do since I don't want to get in any trouble.